Phillip Jackson, community activist and former CHA leader, dies at 68

Anthony Souffle/Chicago Tribune

Phillip Jackson, founder of the Black Star Project, speaks during the Mass Black Male Graduation Ceremony on June 29, 2013, at the Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center at Chicago State University.

Phillip Jackson, founder of the Black Star Project, speaks during the Mass Black Male Graduation Ceremony on June 29, 2013, at the Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center at Chicago State University. (Anthony Souffle/Chicago Tribune)

Elvia MalagonChicago Tribune

Phillip Jackson, who rose from growing up in public housing to leading the Chicago House Authority, died Sunday, according to the nonprofit organization he founded. He was 68.

Jackson died at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and had been diagnosed with cancer, according to a news release from the Black Star Project. Additional details about his death were not immediately available.

He graduated from DuSable High School and Roosevelt University. He spent 24 years moving up the ranks at Kroch’s and Brentano’s Book Stores, which was once Chicago’s oldest independent bookstore chain.

Jackson then moved to the public sector, holding positions at agencies including the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Housing Authority. In 2000 he resigned from the CHA as rumors swirled that he had been forced out as chief executive after about a year in the post, but he insisted he was leaving to work on educational issues for the city.

“CHA has destroyed people who have been in this job,” Jackson was quoted as saying at the time. “But it didn’t destroy me. It has made me stronger and better.”

Jackson also later dipped his toes in political waters and unsuccessfully made a bid for a position as a state representative.

He later focused most of his attention on the Black Star Project, a nonprofit he founded that focuses on improving educational services for black and Latino communities in Chicago. The group organized the national Million Father March, which encourage fathers to take their children to school on the first day. Gloria Smith, his sister and executive director of Black Star Project, said in email that the organization plans to continue. In a statement, Black Star Project described Jackson as someone who dedicated his life to others.

“His life was a true testament to what is possible with hard work, perseverance and dedication to a cause,” according to the Black Star Project’s statement.

In 2013 he wrote a column for the Chicago Tribune in which he discussed his belief that schools alone can’t close the academic gap that poor black and Latino students face.

“Effective parents, families and communities can do what no school can do: create the culture, lay the foundation, set the trajectory, establish the momentum, insist upon high academic standards and model the behaviors and habits necessary for globally relevant learning and the educational and life success for all children in every community. This is what no school can do,” Jackson wrote.

U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Chicago, issued a statement saying he always admired Jackson for his commitment to improving Chicago.

“He was the definition of a public citizen who singlehandedly made the Black Star Project the premier educational organization in Chicago,” Rush said in the statement. “Phillip worked tirelessly to further the educational opportunities for Chicago’s youth and fought every day for equitable opportunities. He leaves behind a rich legacy of impassioned leadership and moral clarity.”

The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., on Twitter wrote that Phillip Jackson will be remembered as long as people remember him.

“Phillip Jackson was a bright black star, who gave his all to educating the children of Chicago,” he wrote.

The Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor at St. Sabina Catholic Church on the South Side, said Jackson’s constant battle cry that he refused to compromise on was providing equal opportunities for children.

“He was outside pushing the envelope to try to bring fairness and justice to the community,” Pfleger said. “He was consistent. There’s a lot of people who jump for a minute then disappear. Phil spent his life fighting for justice and fairness.”

Jackson had spent the last year of his life dealing with health problems, Pfleger said. Still, Jackson remained committed in his activism. Pfleger said he last spoke to Jackson about two months ago and that Jackson reaffirmed his commitment to helping the community.